Kathy Calkins didn’t plan on becoming a transportation director, but her journey from school bus driver to Administrator of the Year is a powerful example of what can happen when someone leads with heart.

In this episode of The Route, Amanda Huggett sits down with our 2026 district transportation award winner from North Clackamas Schools in Oregon. Calkins shares how positive behavior strategies, strong relationships, and a hands-on leadership style helped her build a culture where drivers feel valued and students thrive.

In this discussion, you’ll learn:

• Kathy Calkins' leadership story
• How PBIS shifted her entire approach
• The power of listening and building fun intotheir culture
• Tips for learning (and remembering) people’snames
• Navigating change and managing relationships
• Advice for aspiring leaders

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IC Bus.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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